Wood AR 15 Build Charging Handle: AXTS Raptor

The charging handle on an AR-15 provides a very simple function: it pulls the bolt carrier group to the rear. Obviously, this is required to load a round but also to clear jams and check to see if the weapon is loaded. To put it simply, it is a piece of metal that allows the shooter to manipulate an AR-15’s action.

The criteria for our selection came down to basically two things: a reputation of durability and ambidextrous operation. The AXTS Raptor (and its other branded variants) fit these criteria perfectly. It is one of the most well-known and ambidextrous charging handles and has hundreds of reviews that speak to its durability. Additionally, we liked both the look and feel of the “wings” that actually operate the handle’s release. They are big enough to easily grip when wearing gloves but soft enough to not hurt a bare-handed shooter’s fingers (of particular importance for the “demo-ing” purpose of the rifle).

Full Specifications:

Manufacturer: AXTS

Price: $89.95 (MSRP)

Materials: 7075-T6 Aluminum

Coating: Hard Coat Anodized Black

Weight: 2.6 oz

Made in the USA

This was another product whose manufacturer was unwilling to sponsor the build. We could have purchased a cheaper charging handle but the Raptor has the form and function we wanted for the build. So in order to stay true to the vision of the build, seeking an alternate charging handle wasn’t an option.